February 2016 Hyattsville Life & Times

February 2016Hyattsville’s Community NewspaperVol. 13 No. 2

Life&Times

February 2016Hyattsville’s Community NewspaperVol. 13 No. 2

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CENTER SECTION: FEBRUARY 10, 2016 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!

Special election guide: meet the Ward 5 candidates. Page X.

CROSSFIT HYATTSVILLEThe latest workout craze comes to Hyattsville. P. 3

OURHYATTSVILLE INSTAGRAMThe handle has posted a year's worth of the city's diversity. P. 6

FORTY THIRD PLACEOne person's trash is this wood-worker's treasure. P. 10

By Scarlett Salem

� e meteoric rise of cra� brews over the past few years has laid the groundwork for a return of mead, which may arguably be the world’s oldest alcoholic drink. And while it has gained traction nationwide and is set to storm the Washing-ton, DC region, most people have never even heard of it.

“People say ‘I saw it [the bo� le] said Charm City... I bought it, I love it, I don’t know what it is,’” said Hya� sville resident and co-founder of the Baltimore-based Charm City Meadworks, Andrew Ge� en. “It’s the world’s oldest alcohol and was relegated to the sidelines and we are trying to bring it back a bit,” he said. Although the drink’s popularity has waned since the advent of beer and wine which are less expensive to produce, it has been a constant presence at Re-naissance Festivals and recent on-line data has shown a recent uptick in meaderies opening nationwide.

Made with honey, water and fermented yeast, mead falls into a distinct class of its own, not traditionally considered a beer, cider, or wine. A substantial amount of honey is needed to create mead because of its higher

Mead staged to make aquite literal historic comeback

By Rebecca Bennett

When City of Hya� sville resi-dents received their residential property assessments for 2016, many were shocked at the val-ue the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation placed on their homes. � ose assessments — some residents say they were double the previ-ous assessments — went up not only for the City of Hya� sville, but for many of the surrounding neighborhoods.

At a community meeting she organized on the subject, Prince George’s County Councilmem-ber Deni Taveras (District 2) said it’s a good thing that prop-erty values have gone up. She said county real-estate property tax will not increase much ini-tially, but increased assessments will raise stormwater, trash, and Maryland National Capital Parking & Planning fees.

Hya� sville City Treasurer Ron Brooks said the increased assessments don’t necessar-ily mean that residents will pay higher taxes. “It all depends on how the city reacts a� er the as-sessment,” he said. According to Brooks, the county sends the city an estimated revenue and a constant yield rate, which pre-vents city residents from being double taxed. � e city then has the option to keep the rate, low-er the rate or raise the rate.

� e city’s current tax rate is 63 cents per $100 of assessed value, which is where it has been since 2005, even though the city saw a great decline in 2013 property assessments. For next year, city sta� will submit the budget on

By Maria D. James

Michael Sipe was a very active 2 year old. So when he suddenly became lethargic and stopped eating last year his mother, Ti� any Sipe, grew concerned. “I took him the doctor three times and each time I was told he just has a cold, or it was normal for a toddler to not want to eat, but we knew something wasn't right,” said Sipe.

A visit to Children's National Medical Center con-� rmed her suspicions. Michael was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma, which is a form of cancer where tumorous growths develop from a gland above the kidneys. Unfortunately, early detection is nearly im-

possible because the symptoms are similar to the com-mon cold. Once the cancer is detected it spreads fast.

When neighbors learned about Michael’s condi-tion they decided to come together and help the Sipe family with Johnna Schmidt leading the e� ort.

“A friend told me about Michael's diagnosis. I knew that if people in the community also knew about the situation they would want to help,” said Schmidt.

Schmidt organized a community meeting at her home, which gathered 25 concerned volunteers. “It really made me grateful to live in my neighbor-hood,” she said.

Property assessments skyrocket

Community o� ers support to family of toddler with stage 4 cancer

KEPA & SELYCE FREEMANOn Jan. 17, the Sunday after the blizzard, a line of cars was snowed in on Hamilton Street near Magruder Park.

MEAD continued on page 12

CANCER continued on page 11 PROPERTY continued on page 13

SNOWZILLA VS. HYATTSVILLE

Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016

A community newspaper chronicling the

life and times of Hyattsville

Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

http://HyattsvilleLife.com

http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife

http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes

Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonpro� t corporation. Editors welcome reader

input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing ad-dress above or the email addresses

below.

Editor and Web ManagerRebecca Bennett

[email protected]

Managing EditorMaria D. James

[email protected]

EditorMark Goodson

ProductionAshley Perks

Copy EditorsSean Bennett

Karen RileySam Stern

[email protected]

301.531.5234Writers & Contributors

Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Chris McManes,

Gray O’Dwyer, Kit Slack, Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz,

Caroline Selle

Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and

General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President

Caroline Selle - SecretaryPeggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Rosanna Landis Weaver,

Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter RossRebecca Bennett - Ex O� cio

Circulation: Copies are distrib-uted monthly by U.S. Mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city.

Total circulation is 9,300.HL&T is a member of the

National Newspaper Association.

FromTheEditor

By Rebecca Bennett

I have worked in local news in the Washington, DC, region for 10 years. I am an encyclopedia of the bad things that could happen to a person and the crazy incidents which have occurred in this region during that time. My job now in great part is to � nd out and report the bad and the good things that happen in and near the City of Hy-a� sville.

A� er 20-year-old Catherine Al-

varado of Chillum was found mur-dered on the Northwest Branch Trail just outside of the city limits on New Year’s Day, discussions about trail safety were a li� le more tense. Police arrested a man she was previously in a relationship with, so the crime was not random nor do they believe she was exercising. Both of these details say a lot about how much residents should change their daily routines a� er hearing what happened to Alvarado.

It is not in the best interest of our quality of life to avoid the trails and live in fear. � ey are used by many people daily. It is good to be aware of crimes that have occurred. Don't lis-ten to music on the trail; be aware of your surroundings. Visualize what you would do if someone jumped out at you. But, don't let them stop you from using the trails.

Crime happens even in the most coveted or expensive parts of the re-gion. When there has been a small uptick in certain types of crime and in di� erent areas of the city, the Hy-a� sville City Police Department has communicated that crime and calls for service in the City of Hya� sville are overall on a downward trend.

A� er a series of incidents earlier this year, I almost let them scare me away from using the trails. Instead, I bought a safety whistle and mace, both of which I carry with me on the trails.

I also put all the phone numbers of local police on my phone as shortcut keys. � e Hya� sville City Police Department (HCPD) emer-gency number is 301.985.5050. � e non-emergency number is 301.985.5060. In most other juris-dictions, the emergency number

is 911, though to get directly to the Riverdale Park Police Depart-ment, dial 301.927.4343. Put these numbers in your phone, and if you can, as direct dial shortcuts on your smartphone.

It is also important to understand what city you are in on the trails you use, because it could add a few

minutes the response time for a 911 dispatcher to route your complaint to the correct police department. � ere are many places where the trails change jurisdiction. � e re-cent murder happened in a li� le sec-tion of the Northwest Branch Trail that sits in unincorporated Prince George’s County between two sec-tions of the City of Hya� sville. A sign on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail marks the change from HCPD jurisdiction to Riverdale Park just a� er the li� le Arts District playground. For the trails you fre-quent, check the maps to � gure out when you leave the city limits and know which neighborhoods you travel through.

View a map of the boundaries of the City of Hya� sville at www.Hy-a� svilleLife.com, search “trail”.

I will not let fear take the trails from me

HYATTSVILLE HUMVEE TAKES ON SNOWZILLAAccording to the Hya� sville City Police De-partment (HCPD), city police worked with the Hya� sville Volunteer Fire Department during the Jan. 2016 blizzard by stationing the City of Hya� sville’s Humvee at the � re station. Police said the Humvee assisted of-� cers and � re� ghters in ge� ing to locations otherwise not accessible.

Sta� ed with police and EMS personnel, it responded to EMS calls, including two car-diac calls. � e Humvee was used to transfer a woman in labor from an unplowed apartment complex to a waiting ambulance, police said, which then became stuck. � e Humvee then towed the ambulance out of the snow. � e vehicle was also used to pull ambulances, � re engines, 4-wheel drive police vehicles, and a Hya� sville Department of Public Works snow plow out of the snow.

Police said they also used the Humvee to transport o� cers to and from work, as well as nurses and doctors to Prince George’s Hos-pital.

� e Humvee was obtained by the city in 2014 as a part of the military surplus pro-gram.

WOMAN PUNCHED AND ROBBEDAccording to the Hya� sville City Police Department, a man punched and robbed a woman at Queens Chapel Road and James-town Road near the West Hya� sville Metro Station. � e incident happened at approxi-mately 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Police said the victim was walking in the area when she was punched in the back of the head by an unknown suspect. � at man then demanded property from her, so the victim gave him her phone. He � ed toward the West Hya� sville Metro Station.

� e suspect was described as a black male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, short hair, wearing a blue jacket with white stripes and black pants.

ALDI NOW HIRINGAccording to a spokesperson for ALDI, the grocery chain is holding a hiring event on Feb. 19 in Alexandria, Va. for several of its lo-cal stores, including the Hya� sville location at a 3025 Hamilton Street. ALDI is looking to � ll a total of 30 store associate positions in several stores around the region, including the Beltsville, Langley Park, Lanham, Oxon Hill, Alexandria, Va., Spring� eld, Va. and Woodbridge, Va. locations.

� e positions start at $13 per hour, accord-ing to ALDI, and include other bene� ts for sta� members working at least 25 hours per week, such as full health insurance, dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement program.

According to a press release, applicants must be 18 years old to apply, have a high school diploma or GED, must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Mon-day through Sunday, and have the ability to li� 45 pounds. ALDI said retail experience is preferred and applicants will undergo drug screening and a background check.

ALDI previously held one hiring event in

Lanham, Md. on Feb. 9. � e Feb. 19 hiring event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at ALDI, 4602 Kenmore Avenue, Alex-andria, Va. 22304.

FORTY FAMILIES DISPLACED AFTER ADELPHI HIGH RISE FIREPrince George’s County Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said one of her immediate concerns was to raise funds for 40 families that were displaced after a large high rise fire on Jan. 13 in one build-ing of the Presidential Park Condomini-um Complex on New Hampshire Avenue.

To donate to help the victims of the � re, visit www.gofundme.com/presprk� revictims

RIVERDALE PARK RESIDENT RECEIVES CHILDREN'S NATIONAL AWARDIn December, Children's National Health System recognized Riverdale Park resi-dent Anthony (Tony) Porter with the "Power of One" Award. According to a press release, Porter, a clinical operations representative at the pain medicine clinic, was nominated for the award by a family who took notice of his “professionalism, tact, and kindness.”

Porter worked the night shi� in the Howard University Hospital Emergency Department for 17 years before moving to Children’s National, a press release said, where he has worked since May 2015.

MAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINTDURING SHOE SALEOn Jan. 27 at approximately 1 p.m., Hya� s-ville City Police said two suspects were ar-rested for a� er they robbed a man at gun-point in the 5600 block of 29th Avenue. � e suspects allegedly met with the victim to buy shoes he had for sale.

NEWS BRIEFS READ THE FULL STORY AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM

REBECCA BENNETTPolice arrested a suspect after multiple sexual assaults on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail in May and June of 2015.


Alexander Performing Arts (ACDG)

Hyattsville’s Non-Profit Center for the Performing Arts

MISS ACHIEVEMENT PAGEANT!Ages 5-14

Call for registration packet and info about six-week training workshop before pageant. Registration deadline: March 5

4318 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 • (240) 770-8114 [email protected] • www.alexandercdg.com

Call, email or just visit our studio!

ACDG PRESENTS

LET’S SWEATZumba/Zoka & Afro Jazz

FREE CLASS DEMONSTRATION - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

By Scarlett Salem

It was only a matter of time be-fore CrossFit came to Hyatts-ville. Some would argue that a recent resurgence in strength training may owe its momen-tum to the CrossFit workout movement slowly established from the humble beginnings of notorious founder Greg Glass-man. Glassman opened his first studio space in California in 2001. Since then, it has explod-ed on to the workout scene and now has a website packed with content, a publication, a Cross-Fit Games competition that gets ESPN air time, thousands of international members, and much more.

“In early 2013, a friend asked me if I wanted to try a Cross-Fit workout with him,” said Beth Mohr, owner of CrossFit Hyattsville. “I'm glad I did be-cause since then CrossFit has been the center of my fitness routine.” Mohr said there are over 12,000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide, though CrossFit gyms are more commonly re-ferred to as ‘boxes.’

� e workout is self-described as ‘a regimen of constantly var-ied, functional movements, performed at high intensity’ and goes beyond the workout

by placing equal emphasis on a sense of community and healthy lifestyle.

While there are many Cross-Fit boxes located in and around Washington, DC, very few boxes exist in Prince George’s Coun-ty. Also, CrossFit isn’t exactly the most a� ordable of gyms to join with pricing in DC ranging anywhere from $195 to $225 a month, depending upon the membership.

“When I decided I wanted to open a CrossFit gym, we looked at the a� liate � nder map on CrossFit.com and realized there were several a� liates in DC and Montgomery County, but very few in Prince George’s County,” said Mohr. “We immediately thought Hya� sville would be a great location because of all the development happening along the Route 1 Corridor.”

But the journey was not as simple as just looking at a map as Mohr faced several challenges before she could launch.

“One of the largest hurdles was � nding a space that was zoned for our use as a ma� er of right,” said Mohr. “For a start-up busi-ness, going through the proce-dure to obtain an exception is too expensive and too uncertain. ... Beyond zoning, it was di� cult to � nd the right � t, whether it be

CrossFit craze comes to Hya� svillebecause of size, location, condi-tion of the space, parking, lease terms, etc.”

It took Mohr two years to over-come those logistical barriers.

And so far the community has rallied and she has received an outpouring of volunteer sup-port. “People from Hya� sville to College Park to Takoma Park have volunteered their time to help paint, lay mats and assemble equipment, all because they want to us open as soon as possible,”

she stated. Mohr’s box likely won’t disap-

point them. ‘At CrossFit Hya� s-ville, our focus will be on safety, community, results and fun. We want people to get a good work-out and to do it in a safe and wel-coming environment,’ she said.

Approximately 70 people showed up to the Jan. 30 open house. Mohr said she consid-ered the event amazing and she couldn't be happier with how it went.

Mohr hopes to o� er regular classes starting Monday, Feb. 15 and plans to o� er two free com-munity workouts on Saturday, Feb. 13.

� e � rst CrossFit Hya� sville work-out will be � ee and can be sched-uled via the website, by emailing or calling the box. For more informa-tion on class schedule, how to get started, pricing , and more, head to the website at: www.cross� thya� s-ville.com/

BETH MOHRVolunteers who helped assemble the pull-up rig, left to right: Vasco Mateus (College Park), Kim Webb (Takoma Park), Karen Smith (Hyatts-ville), Robert Murray (College Park).


Saturday, February 27, 2016 . 5:00 - 7:00 PMCity Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street

$5.00 Tickets per personKid Friendly

Music Refreshments

Dancing& Fun Photos!

Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the evening.

Reservations are required.To make a reservation, call 301-985-5021

Sábado, 27 de febrero 2016 . 5:00 - 7:00 PM Edif icio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street

$5.00 Boleto por personaMúsica para

NiñosRefrescos

otos divertidas Fy bailando!

Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto durante toda la noche.

Reservaciones son requeridas.Para hacer una reservación, llame al 301-985-5021

SNOW BIG DEALHOW HYATTSVILLE DEALT WITH SNOWZILLA

NANCY GILETTEApproximately 25 inches of snow fell in Hyattsville on Jan. 15 and 16.BARBARA KLIEFORTH

JANET FISHER WASEK


COLLEGE PARK NURSERY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE!FEBRUARY 19 & 20, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PMCheck out our nursery school and kindergarten in living color! Tour the classes, meet our teachers and learn from our parents what makes our school unique while we answer your questions on how we make it all work as a co-op school. And please bring your kids – children are always welcome!

We are an accredited, parent-run, co-operative nursery school and kindergarten, serving children ages 2-5 in a half-day program.

• Learn Through Play• Get Involved In The

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COLLEGE PARKNURSERY SCHOOL &

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4512 College AveCollege Park, MD 20740

301-864-5355CPNSK.COM

[email protected]

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Church of God and Saints of Christ

4203 Farragut Street, Hyattsville, MarylandPastor: Evangelist Samuel Wade

Time of Services:Beginning of the Sabbath: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Sabbath Service (Saturday) 11:00am to Sunset

The house of God is the house of prayer

for all people. All are welcome.

By Mark Goodson

It began when former resi-dent Lonna Hayes followed people on Instagram, the pop-ular photo sharing social me-dia service, in DC through a unique hashtag identifier. She said she thought “Hyattsville’s really awesome; why don’t we do it for Hyattsville?”

On Feb. 27, 2015, Hayes posted on Instagram from the handle OurHyattsville for the first time. The picture docu-mented Hayes’ delivery of a meal to the Fiteny family, to help them with their newborn baby, Malina. The meal was part of an organized effort on behalf of the Hyattsville Nur-turing Moms listserv.

Hayes decided to pass the Instagram account around to residents who signed up on the OurHyattsville homep-age. Residents can assume the handle for one week before passing it to the next person. Wait time to get a turn is typi-cally two weeks. In it’s debut

year, at press time, more than 50 residents have posted 819 pictures.

Hayes enjoyed watching the handle expand beyond her im-mediate circle of friends. “At first, it was all people I knew,” she said. “Now, it’s people I wouldn’t know other than see-ing their photos because it’s a new perspective. … It ended up being people I had no con-tact with other than the insta-gram account.”

Krissi Humbard assumed the role of handle-manager in July, when Hayes and her hus-band, former City Council-member Clay Williams (Ward 5), moved to North Carolina. When Humbard heard Hayes was moving, she offered to step in to ensure the handle continued to document life in Hyattsville.

“I love the idea of the project — building community and getting to know your neigh-bors and fellow Hyattsvillagers through photographs. I love discovering new things about the city too,” Humbard said.

For example, Pat Padua post-ed a series of interesting facts about musical history. Red Al-len and Frank Wakefield held an informal bluegrass jam in Wakefield’s Hyattsville home in 1963. Never intended for release, The Kitchen Tapes now serve as a bluegrass rarity and collectable. Hyattsville also played a role in the history of Rockabilly. Glasswing Stu-dios, formerly on Ager Road, recorded Leslee “Bird” Ander-son’s album Runnin’ Wild.

A few other handler high-lights included an in-depth look at Hyattsville history posted by Rudy Hogg and Kip Friel, the inner-workings of local Hyattsville crafts space Forty Third Place, posted by Jonaki Sanyal, and the post-ings of local professional pho-tographer Juliette Fradin.

When asked about a favorite,

Humbard said, “I don't think I can pick a favorite, I appreciate every poster. It feels great that people are excited to share a bit about their lives and par-ticipate in the project.”

“Instagramming” has also helped Humbard get in touch with neighbors in person. “Chelsea [Lowes] recognized me from the photos I had posted on OurHyattsville and stopped to say hello one day while walking past my house,” she said. Humbard believes the handle demonstrates the city’s diversity, and that “no matter how different we are, we share some commonalities,” she said.

What better way to celebrate the city’s diversity than with a barrage of images from various residents all celebrating their own version of what makes Hyattsville great. Taken to-gether, the images form a mo-saic as diverse and brilliant as the residents who live here.

Founder Hayes still follows the handle from her new home in North Carolina. “I love it,” she said. “I love seeing what every-one is up to. I get to see their kids. It’s been fun to still have that connection a� er leaving.”

You can follow and sign up to operate the OurHyattsville han-dle on Instagram at www.insta-gram.com/ourhyattsville.

OurHya� sville Instagram page to turn one

LONNA HAYESThe pic that launched 800 posts: Lonna Hayes delivered a meal to the Fiteny family and posted it to the OurHyattsville Instagram page.

“At fi rst, it was all people I knew. Now, it’s people I wouldn’t know other than seeing their photos because it’s a new perspective."— Lonna HayesOurHya� sville


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MissFloribundaDear Miss Floribunda,

I bought quite a few packages of seeds at the Hya� sville Horticultural Society garden fair this month and would like to get them planted. However, I don't want to go through the mess of starting them indoors. I don't even like po� ed plants indoors and am of the opinion that soil ought to remain outside where it belongs.

So, what do you think of the idea of start-ing the seeds outdoors using a cold � ame? Do you know where to get one cheap or how I could make one myself? While I'm handy, I've never done this before and could use some information. I want to start ASAP.

Eager on Emerson Street

Dear Eager,

� ere are actually some seeds you can plant directly in the ground reasonably soon — peas, kale, chard, radishes. Ac-cording to the USDA planting chart for our zone, which is 6B, they can be planted in the third week of March and le� uce in the � rst week of April. According to my consultant, Dr. Meriweather at NOAA, the organization which gives o� cial weather forecasts for each season, there

should be no unpleasant surprises this March and April. But, of course, the very nature of a surprise is to be unexpected so you may want to be stay on the safe side with a cold frame. It is certainly advis-able to start seeds of such warm weather plants as tomatoes and peppers soon and that can only be done indoors or in a cold frame.

A word of caution is in order. � ere are dangers using a cold frame in this area

because temperatures � uctuate wildly in late winter and early spring. Conse-quently, you will need a cold frame with panels that either li� up or slide o� if the a� ernoon becomes unusually warm. Monitoring the temperature in your cold frame will require time and a� ention on your part. If you have nine-to-� ve work hours, you may have to delegate a stay-at-home friend or family member to keep watch. Probably the cheapest and

easiest cold frame you could make would be from old windows obtained inexpen-sively at Community Forkli� in nearby Edmonston. You can use the wall of your house, garage, fence or other structure to prop the windows against. Prepare a raised bed, or if planting directly into tilled earth during a good thaw be sure the drainage is good in that spot. Su� -cient sunlight is a must. Cinder blocks are good to anchor the window and it isn’t di� cult to a� ach the sash to the struc-ture with hinges. If the weather suddenly gets too warm, the hinges permit you to open the window before the seedlings fry. If the temperature plummets you can cover the window with a blanket over-night. Capability Green advises using windows with sliding screens, if you can � nd used ones cheaply. On warm days you slide the glass back, and expose the screen portion. � is also lets air in. Ca-pability lines her raised bed with paving stones which take in heat during the day and release it at night when it's needed.

To discuss this and other gardening concerns, please come to the next meeting of the Hy-a� sville Horticultural Society on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the home of Susan Hines, 4901 40th Place.. � e meeting will start at 10 a.m.

To stay safe while planting your seeds, you can use a cold frame.

Rescheduled City Council Budget Work SessionThe City Council Budget Work Session post-poned due to the blizzard has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the City Adminis-trative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street.

Please Help Your CommunityThe City has mailed a survey to all residents, asking for your opinion on services for seniors and people with disabilities. The one-page survey shouldn’t take long to complete, and you can mail it back anonymously and free. Your answers will help City Council make decisions on how to best invest in our community. For more information, please contact Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5057 or [email protected].

Notary ScamsResidents have recently been taken advantage of by local notaries charging illegally high rates. Nota-ry services should always be relatively inexpensive, and are available free of charge at the City Admin-istrative Building during business hours.

Senior Valentine SocialThe City of Hyattsville will put some love in the air at its senior social for Valentine’s Day. The event will include music, games, prizes and refreshments. The Call-a-Bus will provide free transportation. Thursday, February 11, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the City Administrative Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. For more information please call Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5058.

Free Screening of SelmaIn honor of Black History Month, the City of Hy-

attsville will screen the movie Selma on Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Cheri Everhart at 301-985-5021.

Movin’ With the MayorTo encourage health, and have some fun, Mayor Candace Hollingsworth is partnering with local businesses to offer free wellness classes to City of Hyattsville residents. Classes will be open to all skill levels. The next class is Yogalates on Satur-day, February 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. For more information, please contact Ellarose Preston at 301-985-5006 or [email protected].

Spring Sports Field Permitting MeetingSports organizations wanting to use City sports fields – at Magruder Park, Melrose Park and 38th Avenue Park – are encouraged to attend our spring permitting meeting. Field availability, permitting procedures, weather related closures and field maintenance will be discussed. Applications for field use will be accepted. Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm in the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. For more information, please contact Cheri Everhart at 301-985-5021.

Parent-Child Dance PartyFollow the yellow brick road to an evening of kid-friendly music, a fun photo booth and tasty snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Saturday, February 27, 5-7 p.m. at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin

Street. Tickets are $5.00 per person, payable at the door (cash or check only). Space is limited, so reser-vations are required. To make reservations, please call 301-985-5021 or visit www.hyattsville.org/yel-lowbrickroad.

Community Conversation on IslamThe City of Hyattsville benefits from tremendous diversity. Our community is comprised of people of countless faiths, cultures, abilities and back-grounds. As recent events have turned the national and international discourse towards Islam, the City is hosting a Community Conversation on the topic. In partnership with 20,000 Dialogues, we will host a presentation on the religion, a community dialogue and a short film. We invite all members of our community - Muslims and non-Muslims, resi-dents of Hyattsville and neighbors - to participate. Please join us Sunday, February 28, 3-5 p.m., on the second floor of the City Administrative Build-ing at 4310 Gallatin Street. Refreshments will be provided.

Reunion del Presupuesto de la CiudadLa reunión de trabajo del Consejo Municipal sobre el presupuesto de la Ciudad que fue aplazada por la tormenta ha estado re-programado para miércoles, 10 de febrero, a las 7 p.m. en el Edificio Administra-tivo de la Ciudad en 4310 Gallatin Street.

Ayuda Tu Comunidad Por FavorLa Ciudad envió una encuesta a todos los residen-tes, pidiendo su opinión de servicios para mayores y personas con discapacidades. La encuesta – de solo una página – no debe tomar mucho tiempo para llenar y lo puede hacer anonimo, y después enviarla gratis. Las respuestas ayudará al Consejo Municipal en decidir las mejores maneras a inver-tir en nuestra comunidad. Para más información, por favor contacte a Beryl Johnson a 301-985-5057 o [email protected].

Escándalos de NotariosResidentes han estado abusado recentamente por notaries cobrando tarifas ilegalmente costoso. Ser-vicios de notarios siempre deben ser relativamente baratos, y son disponible gratis en el Edificio Mu-nicipal durante las horas de negocio.

Fiesta Valentín para MayoresLa Ciudad de Hyattsville pondrá amor en el aire en su fiesta Valentín para mayores. El evento tendrá musica, juegos, premios y refrescos. Transporte es gratis con el Call-a-Bus. Jueves, 11 de febrero, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal del Edificio, 4310 Gallatin Street. Para más información, por fa-vor llame a Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5058.

Presentacion de SelmaPara celebrar el Mes de la Historia Afro-Americana, la Ciudad de Hyattsville presentará la pelicula Sel-ma el jueves, 18 de febrero, 7 p.m., en el segundo piso del Edificio Administrativo de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Se proporcionarán refrescos.

Moviendo Con La AlcaldesaPara apoyar la salud publica, y divertirse, Alcalde-sa Candace Hollingsworth y negocios locales están ofreciendo clases de ejercicio y salud gratis a los residentes de la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Las clases estarán para todos niveles. La proxima clase es de yogalates el sabado, 20 de febrero, 10:30-11:30 a.m. en Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. Para más in-formacion, por favor contacte a Ellarose Preston en 301-985-5006 o [email protected].

Reunión de Permisos de Canchas DeportivasOrganizaciones deportivas con interés en usar las canchas depotivas de la Ciudad – en Magruder Park, Melrose Park y 38th Avenue Park – están in-vitado a participar en nuestra reunión de permisos de la primavera. Hablaramos de la disponibilidad de canchas, los procesos de permisos, cerradas del tiempo y mantenimiento de las canchas. Tam-bién recibiremos solicitudes para usar las canchas. Miércoles, 24 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm en el Edificio Municipal de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Para más informacion, por favor contacte a Cheri Ever-hart a 301-985-5021.

Baile de Padres e HijosSiga el camino de ladrillos amarillos a una noche de musica para familias, una cabina de fotos, y ri-

cos bocadillos. Niños deben ser acompañados con un adulto todo el evento. Sábado, 27 de febrero, 5-7 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street. Boletos son $5.00 cada persona, de venta en la puerta con efectivo o cheque. Espacio es limitado y reservas son necesarios. Para hacer reservas, por favor llame a 301-985-5021 o visite www.hyatts-ville.org/yellowbrickroad.

Conversacion Comunitaria sobre IslamEn colaboración con 20,000 Dialogues, la Ciudad de Hyattsville está organizando una Conversación Comunitaria sobre Islam. Tendrémos una presen-tación, dialogo y una pelicula corta. Invitamos a todos miembros de la comunidad - Musulmanes y no-Musulmanes, residentes de Hyattsville y veci-nos - a participar. Domingo, 28 de febrero, 3-5 p.m., en el segundo piso del Edicifio Administrativo de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Se proporcionarán refrescos.

Hyattsville ReportertheNo. 328 • February 10, 2016 www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Page HR1 Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016 Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016 Page HR2

Creative Minds Parent-Child ProgramTuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PM. Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Ageless Grace Senior Exercise ClassesWednesdays and Fridays, 10 AM – 11 AM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

City Council Budget Work SessionWednesday, February 10, 7 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Senior Valentine’s SocialThursday, February 11, 11 AM – 1 PM. Hy-attsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Presidents Day - City offices closedMonday, February 15, No yard waste pickup. Emergency services continue.

City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 16, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Environment Committee MeetingWednesday, February 17, 7 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jim Groves, [email protected]

Price Rite Nutritional TourThursday, February 18, 2 PM. 3104 Queens Chapel Road or ride the Call-A-Bus. More information: Colleen Aistis, 301-985-5057, [email protected]

Black History Month “Selma” ScreeningThursday, February 18, 7 PM. City Admin-istrative Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Movin’ With the Mayor – YogalatesSaturday, February 20, 10:30 – 11:30 AM. Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. More in-formation: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, [email protected]

Call-A-Bus Trip to GiantMonday, February 22, 11 AM. Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Call-A-Bus Trips: Shoppers & Price RiteTuesday, February 23 & March 8, 11 AM.

Pick up and drop off at your home. Reser-vations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Hyattsville Planning CommitteeTuesday, February 23, 7:30 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, [email protected]

Sports Field Permit MeetingWednesday, February 24, 7 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

City Council Budget Work SessionWednesday, February 24, 8 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Call-A-Bus Trips to Safeway & AldiThursdays, February 24 & March 3, 11 AMPick up and drop off at your home. Reser-vations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Education Committee MeetingThursday, February 25, 6:30 PM. Hyatts-ville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, [email protected]

Parent-Child Dance PartySaturday, February 27, 5-7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Community Conversation on IslamSunday, February 28, 3-5 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Board of Supervisors of Elections MeetingTuesday, March 1, 4 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Seniors Free Movie MondayMonday, March 7, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. Belt-way Plaza; Call-A-Bus will transport.. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

City Council Meeting Monday, March 7, 8 PM. Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Mentes Creativas – Programa de pa-dres e hijosLos Martes y Jueves, 10 AM – 12 PM. Centro de recreación de Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected] Gracia Eterna - Clases de ejercicios Los Miércoles y Viernes, 10 AM – 11 AMEdificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected] Reunion de Trabajo del Consejo Mu-nicipal Sobre el Presupuesto MunicipalMiércoles, 10 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Fiesta Valentín Para MayoresJueves, 11 de Febrero, 11 AM – 1 PMEdificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Dia del Los Presidentes – Oficinas de la Ciudad CerradasLunes, 15 de Febrero. No Recolección de Basura de Jardín. Servicios de emergencia continuan.

Reunión del Consejo Municipal Martes, 16 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Mu-

nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Reunion del Comité del Medioambi-enteMiércoles, 17 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jim Groves, [email protected]

Gira Nutricional en Price RiteJueves, 18 de Febrero, 2 PM. 3104 Queens Chapel Road o Toma el Llama-Un-BusMás información: Colleen Aistis, 301-985-5057, [email protected]

“Selma” para el Mes de la Historia Afro-AmericanaJueves, 18 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Moviendo Con la Alcaldesa – YogalatesSabado, 20 de Febrero, 10:30 – 11:30 AMYoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. Más in-formación: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, [email protected]

Viaje con Lllama-Un-Bus a GiantLunes, 22 de Febrero, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Viajes con el Lllama-Un-Bus a Shop-pers y Price RiteLos Martes, 23 de Febrero y 8 de Marzo, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más infor-mación: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Reunión del Comité de PlaneaciónMartes, 23 de Febrero, 7:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, [email protected]

Reunion de Permisos de Canchas DeportivasMiércoles, 24 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Reunion de Trabajo del Consejo Mu-nicipal Sobre el Presupuesto MunicipalMiércoles, 24 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Viajes con el Lllama-Un-Bus a Safe-way y AldiLos Jueves, 24 de Febrero y 3 de Marzo, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más infor-mación: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Comité de EducaciónJueves, 25 de Febrero, 6:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, [email protected]

Fiesta de Baile de Padres e HijosSábado, 27 de Febrero, 5-7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Conversación Comunitaria sobre IslamDomingo, 28 de Febrero, 3-5 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Reunion de La Mesa de Supervisores de EleccionesMartes, 1 de Marzo, 4 PM. Edificio Munici-pal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Pelicula Gratis Para MayoresLunes, 7 de Marzo, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. Belt-way Plaza; Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Reunión del Consejo Municipal Lunes, 7 de Marzo, 8 PM. Edificio Munici-pal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

CALENDAR CALENDARIO

Reportero de HyattsvilleelNo. 328 • 10 de febrero, 2016 www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Febrero es el Mes Del CorazónTu corazón es uno los órganos más impor-tantes. Aquí son tres consejos para manten-erlo saludable:

• Revisa tu colesterol y presión arterial. • Come muchas frustas, verduras, pesca-

dos y granos enteros. Evite comidas alta en grasas saturadas y use hierbas en lugar de sal.

• Tome ocho vasos de agua diaria y haz ejerecicio para 30 minutos cinco veces cada semana.

February is American Heart MonthYour heart is one of the most important or-gans in the body. Here are three tips to keep it healthy:

• Check your cholesterol and blood pressure. • Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, fish and

whole grains. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and use herbs instead of salt.

• Drink at least 8 cups of water daily and try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times per week.


Community Conversation ISLAM

The City of Hyattsville benefits from tremendous diversity.Our community is comprised of people of countless faiths,

cultures, abilities and backgrounds.

As recent events have turned the national and international discourse towards Islam, the City is hosting a

Community Conversation on the topic.

In partnership with 20,000 Dialogues, we will host a presentation on the religion, a community dialogue and

a short film.

We invite all members of our community - Muslims and non-Muslims, residents of Hyattsville and neighbors - to participate.

Please join us Sunday, February 28, 3-5 p.m.,on the second floor of the

City Administrative Building at4310 Gallatin Street.

Refreshments will be provided.

The City of Hyattsvilleinvites you to a

aboutConversación Comunitaria

ISLAM

La ciudad de Hyattsville se beneficia de la diversidad. Nuestra comunidad está compuesta por personas de diferentes credos,

culturas, y un sinnúmero de habilidades y fondos.

A medida que los acontecimientos recientes que han convertido el discurso nacional e internacional hacia el Islam,

la Ciudad está organizando una Conversación Comunitaria sobre el tema.

En asociación con 20.000 Diálogos, vamos a realizar una presentación sobre la religión, un diálogo con la comunidad y una película corta.

Invitamos a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad - los musulmanes y no musulmanes, residentes de Hyattsville y vecinos - a participar.

Por favor únase el domingo, 28 de febrero de 3 a 5 pm,

en el segundo piso del edificio administrativo 4310 Gallatin Street.

Se proporcionarán refrescos.

La Cuidad de Hyattsvillele invita a una

acerca del

By Chris McManes

You can now count Markelle Fultz among the � nest players in DeMatha Catholic High School basketball history. And for a pro-gram that former coach Morgan Woo� en built into a national powerhouse and present coach Mike Jones has maintained among the nation’s elite, that’s saying something.

On Sunday Jan. 17, Fultz was named a McDonald’s All-Amer-ican. Of the 755 seniors (boys and girls) who were nominated, only 48 were selected. Fultz will play for the East team in the 39th annual boys game at Chicago’s United Center on March 30.

Fultz, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound combo guard from Upper Marl-boro, found out he was chosen while the Stags were in Spring-� eld, Mass., preparing to play in the Hoophall Classic.

“� at moment was unbelievable for me,” Fultz said during the se-lection show on ESPNU. “To be surrounded by my teammates who have helped me work out every day in practice, was just really un-believable and such a great feeling.”

Previous McDonald’s All-

Americans include basketball greats LeBron James, Kevin Du-rant, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bry-ant and Michael Jordan. Jones was happy to see Fultz, the reign-ing Washington Catholic Athlet-ic Conference Player of the Year, join the group.

“I’m very proud of him; he’s earned it,” Jones said. “He’s got much be� er days ahead of him.”

Fultz will also play for the USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that will compete at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore., on April 9. Six days later, he will

be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., for the Jordan Brand Classic. He and V.J. King of WCAC rival Paul VI will be the � rst Washing-ton area players to play in the game since former Bishop O’Connell and North Carolina star Kendall Marshall in 2010.

Fultz, who has accepted a schol-arship o� er to play at the Univer-sity of Washington next season, is averaging 18.5 points for the nationally ranked Stags (16-3).

Woo� en coached 10 McDon-ald’s All-Americans during his 46 years (1956-2002) as DeMatha’s head coach: Sidney Lowe, Dereck Whi� enburg (1979); Adrian Branch (1981); Dan-ny Ferry (1985); Steve Hood (1986); Jerrod Mustaf (1988); Duane Simpkins (1992); Keith Bogans, Joe Forte (1999); and Travis Garrison (2002).

In addition to Fultz, Jones has coached two other McDonald’s All-Americans: Quinn Cook (2011) and Austin Freeman (2007). Cook, a 2007 St. Jerome graduate, played three years for the Stags before playing his � nal season (2010-11) at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.

Woo� en is chairman of the commi� ee that selects the boys and girls rosters for the McDon-ald’s All-American Games. � e � rst team was selected in 1977. It competed in the Capital Clas-sic at the old Capital Centre in Largo against a team of local All-Stars.

DeMatha guard named McDonald’s All-American

EDWARD POTSKOWSKIDeMatha's Markelle Fultzpushes the ball up the court against league rival Gonzaga.

Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016 Page 9

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February 13Bright Star Theatre Presents...Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., a 45-minute production that seeks to honor the American Civil Rights Movement. With excerpts of famous speeches, Civil Rights era songs and a va-riety of characters this moving production has been hailed as one of ‘the finest touring shows available for young audiences.’ Free. All Ages. 3 to 4 p.m. Hy-attsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.

February 14Celebrate a Valentine themed Teddy Bears’ picnic with your favorite stuffed animal. Stories, singing, making valentines, picnic and parade inside the Old Parish House. to 4:30 p.m. 4711 Knox Rd, College Park. 301-927-3013. [email protected]

February 15 and March 11From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join Art Works for School’s Out...We’re In: Presidential Por-traits (Feb. 15) and Autolo-comotives (March 11). $60. Ages 5 through 12. Advance registration required. Before and aftercare available with ad-ditional fee. Art Works, 3711 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier. 301.454.0808. www.artworksnow.org.

February 16The Prince George’s County District Council will hold a public hearing on the Ad-opted Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Development Plan and Endorsed Transit District Overlay Zoning Map Amendment. Contact the Of-fice of the Clerk of the Council at 301-952-3600 to register in advance to speak. Free. 7 p.m. County Administration Build-ing, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro.

February 16 and 23Celebrate Black History Month with Our Voices at the Hy-attsville Branch Library. Join us for a series of portraits of influential African Americans. In each program we will read a biography and have exten-sion activities (arts and crafts, film clips, music). All ages are welcome, but most appropri-ate for 5 to 12 year olds. 4:30 p.m. Free. 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.

February 19Art Works hosts Parents Night Out from 5 to 9 p.m. This eve-ning features the Disney/Pixar

movie Inside Out, a pizza din-ner, and activity. $20 per child, ages 3 through 12, must be potty trained. Advance regis-tration required. Art Works, 3711 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier. 301.454.0808. www.artworksnow.org.

February 20 and March 5Come listen to fairy tales you know, with a twist at Frac-tured Fairy Tales! Join us for some hilarious modern spins on classic stories. Stay after the stories for some fun fairy tale crafts. Ages 5 to 12 years old. Free. 3 to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.

February 20Please join the Hya� sville Pres-ervation Association for the Hy-a� sville Fable of the � ree Li� le Pigs featuring Blue Sky Puppets and vocalist Audrey Engdahl. Co� ee and refreshments avail-able for purchase. Free. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Vigilante Co� ee. 4327 Gallatin Street. 301.699.5440. hpahya� [email protected].

February 22The Hyattsville Branch Li-brary Independent Film Se-ries presents “No Justice, No Peace - Baltimore.” The film documents the April 2015 pro-tests precipitated by the death of Freddie Gray. A panel dis-cussion will follow the screen-ing, with representatives from the Baltimore neighborhood

affected by the riots, and a rep-resentative from the University of Maryland "Black Lives Mat-ter Movement." In addition, film's producer Alvin 'Skip-per' Bailey will be available for questions. 7 p.m. Free. 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.

February 23 The Prince George’s Plan-ning Department is in the first stages of preparing a new countywide functional mas-ter plan called the Resource Conservation Plan. This plan will combine the related ele-ments of green infrastructure planning and rural and agri-cultural conservation into one functional master plan. Come and learn about the planning effort and provide your in-put. Hear about next steps for moving the plan forward. Free. 6:30 p.m., refreshments. 7 p.m. input session. Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. [email protected].

March 12The Safe Home is the topic of the next program presented by Hyattsville Aging in Place (HAP). Learn practical ways to keep your home and family safe from fire and crime. Free. Come for coffee and conversa-tion from 9am to 9:30am. Pro-gram from 9:30am to 11:30am. Hyattsville Municipal Build-ing, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301-887-3101. www.hyattsvilleag-inginplace.org.

OngoingVigilante Coffee hosts Cof-fee Cupping every Friday this month! The series gives par-ticipants the opportunity to learn how to cup coffee and to taste the roastery’s latest of-ferings. Free. 1 p.m. Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin Street.

Open Mic at Busboys and Po-ets, various hosts. Hear live spoken word poetry in the Zinn Room. Thursdays, 9 to 11 p.m.

Come on inside for the The Riverdale Farmers Winter Market from 3 to 7 p.m on Thursdays, followed by a cof-fee market on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music, farmers, food vendors, and crafts. 6204 Rhode Island Av-enue, Riverdale Park.

Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, perfor-

mances and more. Suggested donation, $5. Monday morn-ings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys and Po-ets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787.

A group bike ride starts ev-ery Sunday at 9 a.m. at Arrow Bicycle, 5108 Baltimore Av-enue. This is a 32-mile, mod-erately paced ride that empha-sizes group riding techniques. New group riders welcome. The route can be found by searching ‘arrow hyattsville’ at www.mapmyride.com. 301.531.9250.

Community Calendar is a se-lect listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consid-eration, please e-mail [email protected] Deadline for March submissions is February 25.


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By Lauren Flynn Kelly

During a 10-year stint in Chi-cago, Hya� sville native Blake Sloane made a name for himself by creating beautiful things out of salvaged and reclaimed wood. Since 2014, the self-taught car-penter and woodworker has carved out a spot in the Hya� s-ville home he lovingly renovated, in order to repurpose things out of locally salvaged materials. I stumbled upon Blake’s work on the revolving Instagram handle OurHya� sville and felt he would be the perfect pro� le subject for Secondhand News. Here, Blake shares the story behind the blog, www.fortythirdplace.com and his local woodworking business, which you can learn more about at www.blakesloane.com.

Besides being the street you live on in Hya� sville, what IS Forty � ird Place?Sloane: I see Forty � ird Place as the umbrella brand for the creative work me and my wife, Jonaki Sanyal, do, which is a mix of woodwork and photography. What started as the name of our blog and Instagram documenting the adventure of renovating our � rst home together later turned into a homage to Hya� sville, the community we love that also provided us with so much of the local materials that propels my work. It also happens to be the street I was born on and grew up on. So the name carries great his-

tory for us and also encompasses the continuing story of our li� le family and the work we love.

One of my favorite posts on the Forty � ird Place blog is #foundat43rdplace, showcas-ing found treasures that in-clude a “spanking paddle,” a Soundgarden tape and a dirty gnome-like � gurine. Where did you � nd all these strange things? Sloane: Some stu� came from inside of the walls we gu� ed; the spanking paddle was a � oor-board among many we pried up. Renovating the house made us feel like archaeologists digging up all of these cool, mysterious details from the lives of past resi-dents. So the story of the house is revealing itself over time. It’s a Cape Cod style from the 1930s that came into our lives by neigh-borly word of mouth. Having grown up across the street, my memories of Forty � ird Place are of riding a sled from the second-story bedroom window as a kid in a blizzard in the ’80s when a bunch of young college students had made the house a bit of an “Animal House.”

� at’s hilarious. What home renovation projects have you taken on? Sloane: We have done a lot of projects. We installed locally milled ash hardwood � oors on the � rst � oor, renovated the mas-ter bathroom and kitchen, and

installed a “hobbit door” in our daughter’s room, to name a few. We started playing with this giant pile of lath that came from tear-ing down a wall in our kitchen and got obsessed with making these geometric art pieces and trays. � ey’ve been pre� y well received at some local cra� fairs.

� ey’re beautiful. Your car-pentry work is o� en done with salvaged materials. Since your move to Hya� sville from Chi-cago, where have you source reclaimed wood for local client projects? Sloane: Sourcing material is one of the best parts of this type of work. My favorite material scores have been free and straight from the source — o� of job sites in Hya� sville and Riverdale. I also love to frequent Community Forkli� and similar reuse spots in Baltimore.

What types of clients have you served in the DC area and what have you made for them? Sloane: I seem to make more large dining tables than any-thing else, some sign carving for the DC restaurant, El Centro, and I’m really proud of the two big benches with herb planters I made for the Takoma Park Sit on the Art Project this past sum-mer. I’ve also enjoyed bringing smaller handmade items (cu� ing boards, serving trays, jewelry) to some festivals, including the Hy-a� sville Arts Fest.

What’s your next big project?Sloane: I’m currently working with my father to rehabilitate a small 1920s house on Kennedy Street in Hya� sville. We are using a ton of reclaimed mate-rial and have decided not to al-ter the house’s charmingly small 600-square footprint. I hope it will serve as a new model for renovations in Hya� sville. I’m also working on creating some reclaimed wood accent walls to contribute to a project with Gal-axy Homes, another great Hy-a� sville business.

How do you feel about painted wood?Sloane: I love it and hate it. I love to design furniture where a beauti-ful wood grain contrasts with a pop of bold color. I hate removing the paint o� of an antique that had no business being painted.

When is it really time for wood to hit the curb?Sloane: Bugs, bad mold or bad rot. And even then, make sure it doesn't � rst have some artistic value...For the complete interview, visit www.hya� svillelife.com

Home is where the art is

JONAKI SANYALBlake Sloane enters his workshop basement. The wood for the sign was recycled from home renovations.


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Together, the group has coordinated a continuous series of meals for the Sipe family, using the Meal Train website. They also provide after-school care for Michael’s 7-year-old sister Aiyana, and they contribute to a GoFundMe online fundraising ac-count.

“Fundraising was the easiest and most direct way to help,” said Schmidt.

Since Michael has fallen ill, Sipe has had to quit her job in order to move into Michael’s hospital room while he has chemotherapy. After the diag-nosis Andre (Michael's Dad), Tiffany, Aiyana, and Michael moved out of their home in order to live with family members to save money.

“We've been blessed with amazing neighbors,”

said Sipe, who credits Schmidt with spreading awareness about her son’s illness.” Currently, Mi-chael is going through his fourth round of chemo and is doing well.” After the final portion of chemo-therapy is complete, Michael will undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tumor.

Schmidt hopes the Sipe family won't have to worry about money and that Michael will soon be cancer-free. “It's also important that the family feels emotionally supported through this hard time by the community around them,” she said.

If you would like to support the Sipe Family you can do so in two ways. To volunteer to make a hot meal or pro-vide transportation assistance, sign up on Meal Train at: www.mealtrain.com/trains/vvgkmw. To contrib-ute a monetary donation, visit the family’s GoFundMe page at: www.gofundme.com/9pjx4sgw.

CANCER continued from page 1

TIFFANY SIPELast November 2-year-old Michael Sipe was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer found above the kidneys.


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alcohol content, which can vary between mead destined for a keg or a can. “[It’s about] one part honey to four parts water and can get somewhere in the 2,500 to 3,500 gallons a month. … There are some losses along the way for filtration,” said Geffken.

Geffken, who moved to Hy-attsville from Washington, DC with his wife in August 2015, co-founded the Baltimore-based meadery in early 2014, with fel-low co-owner and Baltimore resi-dent James Boicourt. Boicourt and Geffken grew up together on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Not only can they make mead, but they both and have backgrounds in mechanical engineering and have experience maintaining bee api-aries: Geffken’s on the Shore and Boicourt’s in Baltimore.

Charm City currently sources most of its honey from Lancaster, Pa., but Geffken also plans to move some of the hives he maintains on the Eastern Shore to Hyattsville in the spring, assuming his neighbors are amenable. “Hopefully there will be some Hyattsville honey in

2016 Charm City Mead!” He said. Why did they choose Baltimore

for their location? Warehouses are far more abundant and less expen-sive. “There are not as many ware-houses in Hyattsville,” said Geffken.

Outside of their home base, they

have found some local support. Charm City products are sold at Franklin’s General Store and have found rotation at Riverdale Town Center Market, which hosted a Charm City tasting before Thanksgiving. “The people there

are great and they took the time to learn about it and to tell people about mead,” Geffken said of both locations.

“Some people were skepti-cal when they heard ‘mead,’ but when they tasted it they were ex-cited about the product and a lot of people bought the package,” said Town Center co-owner, Ted Spiropoulos, who had never tried mead before. “I was impressed with what he did with the prod-uct and the flavors and the styles that they have.”

Unfortunately, they were less suc-cessful when the Olive Garden near the Mall at Prince Georges offered a Charm City keg last sum-mer. Geffken said it didn’t go well. He added that the product typi-cally doesn’t fare well in traditional chains because restaurant goers are reluctant to try something new.

Geffken and his wife have found that their home in Hyattsville of-fers a compromise between the Baltimore location of Meadworks and his wife’s job on Capitol Hill. He and his wife have enjoyed the community vibe: “A few days within moving in, the neighbors came over to introduce themselves and it is a nice balance of city living and suburbs. It’s been fun. ... We’ve been happy with it,” said Geffken.

For more information about Charm City and where you can follow the mead, check out their website and social media: www.charmcitymead-works.com/ and www.facebook.com/charmcitymeadworks

Their taproom is also open for mead tastings, tours, and more 5 to 9 p.m. Friday evenings, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoons located at 3511 8th Avenue, Baltimore, Md.

NANCY GILLETTEHyattsville resident Andrew Geffken in the tasting room at Charm City Meadwork's Baltimore brewing location.

MEAD continued from page 1


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Feb. 24. After that, there will be discussions and hearings on the budget and tax rate.

Daniel Puma, supervisor of as-sessments for Prince George’s County, said each group of neigh-borhoods is assessed every three years. Nearby Colmar Manor and Cottage City saw increases in their assessments last year, while areas like Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, Riverdale and others saw increases this year.

The assessments, Puma said at a community meeting, are made by looking at the market sales val-ues of arms-length transactions in the community and in similar communities. They do not con-sider foreclosures and similar types of sales. He said they were done by neighborhood and not by zipcode, so houses in the City of Hyattsville, for example, were not compared to sales of houses in University Park.

According to Puma, one reason assessments went up is because the market improved in the lo-cal area. The Washington Post re-cently reported the median price of Hyattsville (20782) increased 18 percent in 2015 to $265,500. “Some of the areas are revitalizing, like Mount Rainier, the Route 1 Corridor and Hyattsville,” he said. “I think a lot of people ... bought their houses in 2009 or 2010 when the market was down and when the properties were in dis-tress. Now they are at that point where they are ready to sell and they are putting their properties on the market.”

Residents who do not agree with their property assessment have until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 11

to appeal. A recent list of com-parable houses and the prices for which they sold can be attached, Puma said, though the compara-ble list is not a requirement to ap-peal. On the back of the notice, it lists instructions for residents to request the property worksheet and the comparable sales notice.

If an appeal is requested by Feb. 11, residents can always with-draw that appeal after more infor-mation is gathered, Puma said.

“It’s important to me that peo-ple get an answer if they feel it’s too high,” Puma said. “Don’t worry about what it went up. But if they think it’s too high, they should appeal.”

Options for residents appealing in-clude a face-to-face hearing, a tele-phone hearing, or a simple request for review. Puma said all of the op-tions would garner the same results. According to the Maryland Depart-ment of Assessment and Taxation website, after this initial appeal, resi-

dents can appeal to the the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and then the Maryland Tax Court.

Residents can apply for a Home-stead Tax Credit for their primary residence, which limits a tax on the property assessment to a 10 per-cent increase. Residents who make less than $60,000 per year can ap-

ply for a Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit by Sept. 1 each year.

Tax bills on the assessed value are issued in July of each year and due Sept. 30. Property assess-ments will be made again for the City of Hyattsville in 2019.

To appeal a property assessment

by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 11, email Dan Puma at [email protected], visit www. dat.maryland.gov, or having the written appeal postmarked by Feb. 11 to Prince George's County Assessment Office, 14735 Main Street, Suite 3548, Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3014.

REBECCA BENNETTThe increase in 2016 property assessments is being credited to a better housing market in the immediate area.

PROPERTY continued from page 1


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February 2016 Hyattsville Life & Times

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